Previously, we have gone over how to manage your food storage from home. But what if you don't live in a house? This blog post is designed for those people who live in an apartment/condo, suite or flat. A lot of smaller living quarters are not designed to have a place designated for an emergency food storage. So if you have an extra spare bedroom, a deck/porch with storage closets, or even an area with a make-shift spot for storage, this would be the ideal place to start. Below are some tips and tricks to help you get started on the process. #1.The Basics; You're gonna want to start by getting the essentials of making a emergency kit. Try to gather foods that don't require much cooking. Here are some examples that we have here at the Ready Store. Our Saratoga Farms Pilot Bread Crackers are a big fan favorite. Packed with 70 servings, these sides will help keep you, and your family nourished for many meals to come! Also, its important to keep at least a 30 days supply of food within your storage. Our EasyPrep Instant Favorites Food Storage Kit - 236 servings is another one of our best sellers. It's filled with a variety of meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees. This specific bucket only lasts for about 15 days, so make sure to get at least two! A first aid kit and an emergency flashlight/radio can be helpful during uncertain times. Also, just in case, make sure to keep some emergency blankets and hand warmers. #2. Grow Your own Garden; From building a window box to planting seeds in jars in un-used spaces, every space is plantable. Preppers who live in an apartment or condominium can start an apartment garden to reap oregano in a windowsill, strawberries or carrots on the porch. Start small, whether it's a sprouted seed project in the hallway or growing watermelons in a large planter box outside, anyone can do it. #3. Be Creative with Storage; One of the biggest issues you might run into is finding enough space to store and prepare your emergency/ food supplies. You'll need to get creative and use every inch of space you have. Anywhere from under the bed storage, to food rotation storage shelves, there are a number of products that you can buy or build that will help you get the most out of your space. No matter the space or location, you can find room to help you store the most important necessities during a crisis. And after you’ve identified the most obvious places, it’s time to think about the ones that no one does. Like the above the fridge, under the bed, the bathtub, and any other non-obvious place in your apartment. Those “hidden locations” are crucial to your prepping strategies. #4. Storing Water; When it comes to water, specifically, you need a lot of room. Since water needs to be rotated often. you should store it correctly and have the space to make the necessary adjustments. Some places to store water in apartments or small living quarters would be closets, bathrooms, or other small rooms. Make sure(if applicable) to keep your water stored in dark rooms/areas away from sunlight. The American Red Cross recommends storing and drinking at least one gallon of water per person, per day. #5. The Importance of Communication; It's important to know important information for your friends and family for when an emergency were to happen. Every family member should be aware of the devices you are to use during a critical situation and know how to use them. Also,be aware of what kind of devices can still work in every possible scenario if the satellites weren't working. The most important point is that having those devices not only to be able to find each other during a moment of crisis, but also to be able to find and help other people and to communicate with the outside world. #6. Rehearse; The most important step. Be aware and modify your plan when necessary - practice makes perfect. We recommend practicing your emergency plan about every six months and modify if necessary. We want you to be prepared if something were to happen. Whether it be a car breakdown, a natural disaster or even unemployment; the Ready Store can provide you with quality products that help you stay on your feet and become self-sufficient.